“Mental Stress in the Workplace: How Recent Legislative Changes Are Shaping Claims and Defenses”
Presented by Debra Doby, Esq. of Wenderoff Law Group and Irene McCarty of UniMex
This session will highlight how the amendments to Workers’ Compensation Law §2(7) and §10(3)(C) are reshaping mental stress claims. Drawing from recent Board decisions, we will provide practical strategies for claims professionals, including:
” How the revised standards are being applied in real cases
” Strategic use and timing of psychiatric IMEs
” Tips for drafting impactful cover letters when scheduling IMEs
Debra L. Doby is the CEO and Managing Partner of Wenderoff Law Group, APC, where she focuses on workers’ compensation for New York employers and matters under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, with a subspecialty in construction and workplace safety. She partners with multi-state employers to streamline claims management and risk-reduction programs and is a frequent lecturer on workers’ compensation and safety topics. Debra earned an LL.M. from Trinity College Dublin, a J.D. from Vermont Law and Graduate School, and a B.A. in Chemistry from the University of West Georgia. She has been recognized in Super Lawyers “Rising Stars.”
Irene McCarty is Director of Marketing and Accounts at UniMex Medical Exams Management, where she partners with executive leadership to expand business opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and lead marketing strategy. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the workers’ compensation and insurance industries, including a decade as owner of a successful job placement services firm for injured workers. Drawing on her background as both a business owner and marketing leader, Irene is recognized for creating efficiencies, driving growth, and building lasting client partnerships.
“Staged Accidents and RICO: Unpacking the New York Workers’ Comp Fraud Scheme”
Presented by Stephen J. McGiff and Robert Dooley of McGiff Halverson Dooley Nador PC
Stephen J. McGiff was educated by the Christian Brothers at LaSalle Military Academy, and then received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Fordham, where he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the 69th Infantry Regiment, the famed “Fighting 69th.” After completing the United States Army Infantry Officer Basic Course, he received a Juris Doctor from St. John’s University. Steve then served three years as an Assistant District Attorney in Kings County before gaining valuable civil trial experience as a staff attorney for Travelers Insurance Company. For the past twenty years, Mr. McGiff has concentrated in insurance defense litigation, labor law, and all facets of personal injury litigation. Steve served as a Deputy Mayor/Trustee of the Village of Patchogue for 8 years. He is an active member of his parish of St. Francis De Sales located in Patchogue, NY, where he is a member of the Finance Committee. Steve is a Past President of the Brehon Law Society. He is married to Julie and is the proud father of Theresa, Justin, and Amelia.
Robert Dooley is the partner responsible for the business and securities litigation practice groups of the firm. Mr. Dooley also manages all environmental litigation matters for the firm. Mr. Dooley’s experience is in representing clients in complex business, financial and commercial litigation matters including all levels of pre-trial, trial and appellate litigation in New York State and Federal Courts. Mr. Dooley has appeared before administrative agencies for administrative hearings and managed securities disputes in FINRA arbitrations and mediation. Mr. Dooley has successfully handled many environmental contamination claims; securities claims involving suitability, failure to supervise and products cases; business litigation cases involving promissory notes, RICO claims, and many variations of contract disputes; and assisting clients in the commercial transactional group for mergers, acquisitions, buy/sell agreements, lease agreements and property acquisition negotiations providing valuable insight from the litigation perspective to assist in managing risk well in advance.
